Photo from the 2014 Decatur Craft Beer Festival by Jeremy Buckmaster

When the Decatur Craft Beer Festival got its start 18 years ago, it was a pioneer in the Atlanta area.

The Craft Beer Festival is one of the most popular in the country and was recently a finalist for a USA Today Readers Choice Award.

Until very recently, tickets sold out within hours of becoming available.

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But it’s slowed down quite a bit. Tickets went on sale Sept. 15, but were easy to find at 7 p.m. that evening. Decatur Special Events Coordinator Shirley Baylis told Decaturish on Sept. 19 that 200 general admission and 180 VIP tickets were still available. Tickets were still available for sale as of Sept. 22. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

“There are so many craft beer festivals and events that go on now, so lots of competition,” Baylis said.

The event is still a draw, and there will be hundreds of people on the Decatur Square on Oct. 15.

“More than 100 of the finest local, American Craft beers are showcased at this annual event sponsored by area distributors and Decatur’s restaurants and pubs. Enjoy live music and food from local restaurants available for sale,” the event announcement says. “This outdoor festival runs rain or shine, so dress accordingly – rain coats, sun screen, lederhosen, etc. In cases of extreme wind or lightning, for your safety, attendees may be evacuated to a safe shelter.”

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